Rigging: The Backbone of Live Events

Whether it’s a concert, an awards show, or a popular expo, live events have become dazzling spectacles that seek to outperform one another. With so many entertainment choices available, audiences demand that live events deliver an experience that can’t be recreated at home. The creative minds designing these show-stopping productions rely on a number of resources to bring their extravaganzas to life, including large set pieces, advanced audio/visual technology, and the unsung hero of live events — rigging.

RIGGING
Rigging is the hardware used to lift, lower, and suspend performance equipment on or above a stage. It can be broken down into two types: theatrical rigging and arena rigging.

THEATRICAL RIGGING
Theatrical rigging is installed in a theater. A theatrical rigging apparatus might employ a dead pull scenery flying system, a hemp rigging system, a counterweight rigging system, a winch or hoist driven automated rigging system, or some combination of these systems to elevate props, people and scenery.

ARENA RIGGING
Arena rigging can be found in an “exposed structure venue” such as a convention center, ballroom, or warehouse. Arena rigging often makes use of chain motors and trusses, crane-bars or frames stabilized by guy cables, fiber rope block and tackle systems, and systems supporting safety nets.

RIGGING THAT MAXIMIZES VALUE
Whether installed in a theater or an arena, a rigging system must be safe, reliable, and should streamline the production process in order to deliver the highest value. A system that enables repetitive designer look creations, and offers free formed control of all elements during the design process, will give visual impact and open up creative opportunities. An open pallet of gear options provides superior versatility, and a system that allows for flexible integration makes communication easier between all team members, enhancing level of comfort and safety.

SAFETY FIRST
While rigging must perform its functions of flying and hoisting, it must always keep safety as its first priority. Kinesys DigiHoist is a flexible and configurable fixed speed digital control system for chain hoists. The rigging incorporates all the safety functionality required to work in group hoist mode and is compliant with strict EU regulations. Features of the system include load monitoring, group stop, positioning and self healing emergency stop, all assembled within a user friendly digital platform. Kinesys DigiHoist maximizes value while serving as a critical component in producing an immersive live experience.